Rep. Joe Walsh (Tea Party-Glass House) owes child support

Walsh admits he is not wealthy. Some of his financial problems — including losing his Evanston condo to foreclosure — were documented before his out-of-nowhere victory last fall in the 8th Congressional District in Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs.

But court documents examined this week by the Chicago Sun-Times during research for a profile on the increasingly visible congressman showed his financial issues also included a nine-year child support battle with his ex-wife.

Before getting elected, he had told Laura Walsh that because he was out of work or between jobs, he could not make child support payments. So she was surprised to read in his congressional campaign disclosures that he was earning enough money to loan his campaign $35,000.

Walsh’s attorneys dispute that he owes that amount. Fine. The congressman and his ex-wife can continue to hash out this icky problem in court.

By making that video and becoming a near-constant presence on cable television, Walsh’s “hey, look at me! over here!” routine has succeeded. And what we’re beginning to see only reinforces the unpleasant image Walsh has created for himself.